Islamic Mosque Plans Curtailed; Society Seeks Outside Donations

Plans for the Islamic Society's mosque in Cambridge have come to a stand-still, Islamic Society President Yusif Ibish 3G reported yesterday. A delay in the promised gift of Prince Sadruddin '55, son of the late Aga Khan, has forced the Society to relinquish its proposed site at Darton and Concords Sts., since the Prince held an option on the land.

Prince Sadruddin, who was to have given the mosque as a memorial to his father, originally offered the building to the University in the fall of last year, but was refused space on University property because of religious policies.

Anonymous $50,000 Gift Received

A trust was formed for the mosque, however, and last spring an anonymous donor placed $50,000 in escrole to match the initial gift of the Prince.

The anonymous donor has declared that he is "interested in helping, but not building" the mosque, Ibish said, and the Society must provide an equivalent sum before any of the money can be spent. Ibish explained that the Islamic Society is incapable of raising enough money on its own.

Proposals to purchase a different site and hire an architect and builder hinge on Prince Sadruddin's "ability to come through" with his pledge, the Islamic Society president declared.

Society Welcomes Help From Governments

In lieu of a gift from Prince Saluddin, the Islamic Society welcomes help from other sources, Ibish stated. "Donations from the governments of Muslim countries, or from the United States government would be accepted," he said. "Also, we would welcome contributions from individual private institutions for specific charitable purposes."

Plans for the mosque envision a building of traditional Islamic architecture and symbolism, which will seat a congregation of 50 to 75 people.